Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.

Hyperion offers both CDs, and downloads in a number of formats. The site is also available in several languages.

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All things which live below the sky, Or move within the sea, Are creatures of the Lord most high, And brothers unto me.

I love to hear the robin sing, Perched on the highest bough; To see the rook with purple wing Follow the shining plough.

I love to watch the swallow skim The river in his flight; To mark, when day is growing dim, The glow-worm’s silvery light.

The seagull whiter than the foam, The fish that dart beneath; The lowing cattle coming home; The goats upon the heath.

Beneath his heaven there’s room for all; He gives to all their meat; He sees the meanest sparrow fall Unnoticed in the street.

Almighty Father, King of Kings, The lover of the meek, Make me a friend of helpless things, Defender of the weak.

Edward J Brailsford (1841-1921)

Edward Brailsford was a much beloved minister in the Methodist Church and known as a lover of nature. This is amply shown in this hymn. The closing line of the first verse is significant in that he accepts that he too is part of nature, perhaps unconsciously taking a Darwinian position. This is the kind of subject that hymn writers have long thought suitable for children. This hymn however is often to be found in the adult section of hymn books (as indeed is ‘All things bright and beautiful‘), indicating perhaps that it is one of those ‘all age’ hymns. The tune was written to be sung to a metrical psalm, but its lively rhythm makes it suitable for these words.